Whitewater rafting blog by the whitewater industry leader Rafting America. River rafting information, news and industry updates around the world. Providing a directory of the best river rafting companies and trips.

18 January 2008

A new IMAX film called "Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk" will be debuting on March 14, 2008. The film takes a look at freash water preservation issues through a whitewater rafting trip down the Grand Canyon with O.A.R.S. rafting company. The file is presented by Teva, and has been year in the making.

They wanted to get the film out before World Water Day on March 22, 2008. MacGillivray Freeman Films picked up the production of the rafting and water video. They are one of the most experienced producers of special venue films in the world.

Should be interesting to see the whole movie. Not quite sure if it is a film focused more on the "whitewater rafting" adventure or throw in a political slant to the whole thing. Probably the latter of the two, since I sense some sort of green agenda (i have no problem in protection the river systems of the world, by the way.)

11 January 2008

I read an article in the American Chronicle about memorable Christmas gifts over the holidays, and I thought about giving a rafting trip as a gift. Amazingly enough, the article actual recommends whitewater rafting as one of those "unforgettable gifts" if you are looking for something truly unique.

If you think, it really isn't a bad idea. Events or activities are some of the most memorable moments in anyone's life, and you can give that as a gift. Depending on where you live or where you want to go, you can find rafting day trips for under $100 per person. Not too shabby for a whole outdoor adventure. Especially if you were planning on spending that much anyway! Rafting America has the complete list of outfitters, locations and information for trips in the US, Canada and South America.

I think I blogged about this issue previously, but seems like there is still some buzz with the locals and the whitewater park/route proposal. Some cities are in the process of adding whitewater rafting parks, with scores of acres dedicated to a fake river with rapids and descents. Waller Creek is still trying to do their own version of imitation whitewater rafting.

The proposal would take an already existing stretch of canal that runs through the city and turn it into a whitewater rafting run. The canal was originally propsed to take water from one end of a plain to the lake below, traveling straight through the city. River rafting was never in the original design intentions of the canal. If you read feedback on some of the news, you find quite a lot of different opinions on the matter. From the sounds of it, the canal, as it stand right now, is not a very pretty sight, and is poluted. I am not convinced this would be a good idea, but it would be minimal in construction, since the infrastucture is already in place. Could be worth a try?